A day after the massive earthquake that hit Japan, the SCDF deploys five search specialists as well as their purpose-trained canine companions to aid in rescue efforts. An SCDF spokesperson said: "The SCDF has deployed five search specialists and five search dogs to Japan to assist in the search operations following the 8.8 - magnitude earthquake that occurred on 11 Mar 2011. The SCDF officers are from the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) contingent, codenamed Operation Lionheart. "Led by Search Platoon Commander, MAJ Tan Loo Ping, the 5-man team comprise experienced officers. Members of the team have all participated in past overseas search and rescue operations. MAJ Tan, as well as three other officers, have just returned from Christchurch, New Zealand on Mar 6 after participating in search and rescue efforts there. "The SCDF search team left today at 10.44am."